Ginger Ale

Classification: ginger ale, soda, soft drink

Source: Lincoln T. Cat (linc@halcyon.com), r.c.b., 8/21/95

Warning: I've made this several times. The first time I used Beck's bottles, and several exploded. Since then I've used Champagne bottles with corks. If you use beer bottles (and I don't suggest you do) keep them COOL, and even then be prepared for the worst! The problem is the yeast ferments the cane sugar in the bottle, producing the desired carbonation, but continues to ferment until the bottle explodes.

Ingredients: (for 1 gallon)

1 cup cane sugar
1 lemon, cut into disks, with peel
1 gallon, boiled water
1 oz thinly sliced fresh ginger root
Yeast: 1/4 - 1 tsp dry ale yeast

Procedure:

The process is to boil water, add honey and/or cane sugar. Boil the sugar and water with ginger & lemon for 15-30 minutes. Cool and add yeast, and bottle immediately.